Wednesday, 24 August 2011

Arsene Wenger has little option when he comes to choosing his team for tonight's crunch tie with Udinese.

The manager will want to go into this tie with his strongest and most experienced team.

Therefore I think he'll be sweating on the fitness of Tomas Rosicky who has had a good start to the season.

If the Czech international fails to pass his late test, I can see Wenger switching to Andrey Arshavin in the centre of the attacking three.

In defence, he'll have Johan Djourou playing alongside Thomas Vermaelen, providing the Swiss international is fit to start. If Djourou can only start from the bench, the Frenchman's options switch to playing Alex Song in the centre of defence or bringing in Spanish youngster Ignasi Miquel.

Moving Song will create a place in the midfield, which could easily be stepped in to by the promising Emmanuel Frimpong. I expect Aaron Ramsey to be picked in the other deep lying midfield role.

Wemger's wide attacking options are easier to call. Theo Walcott on the right with Gervinho on the left and captain Robin van Persie down the middle.

I expect Arsenal's starting 11 to be:

Szczesny

Sagna - Djourou - Vermaelen - Traore

Song - Ramsey

Walcott - Rosicky - Gervinho

van Persie

Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Miquel, Frimpong, Arshavin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh.
I'll post the official team line up once it's announced.

Taking A Punt
Scoring the first goal would do wonders for Gooners nerves. That's why I'll be putting a pound on Theo Walcott scoring the first goal at 11.5/1 with Betfair.

Live blog
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